The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1887-01-20

give the alarm. l saw the wood bile
tramps always look to that, you bet
saw that it was all worked up too, else
| shouldn't have honored you. I'll 90
for the wood while you put on my din
ner. By the by, just introduce the
coffee pot to the stove for my benefit,
will you?"
The fellows assurance was simply
unparalleled, and yet in the way he
spoke it, was not altogether disagreea-
BILE. So while he brought in the wood,
Sallie, not unwillingly set him
bountiful dinner, not forgetting the
coffee as requested. Returning speedily
with the wood. the tramp proceeded
as per right to build the fire, and then
seated himself at the table. To saw
that he did full justice to the food set
before him, would but feebly express
the real facts. Through with his repast
ut length, the fellow moved his chair
back from the table and proceeded to
| pick his teeth as coolly as though him
| self proprietor of all about him.
Happen to know of any work for
fellow?" nonchalantly.
The rolling pin, which had again
| been plying vigorously, ceased to play.
Sallie well knew that her father was in
utmost need of hand to shuck corn,
but to have one so ragged and dirty
about the house and sleeping in her
clean beds, was not a very agreeable
anticipation, to say the least. But
benevolence triumphed over selfish
ness; it might be kindness to give the
fellow chance.
why yes, father. I believe, wants a
hand now to shuck corn,'' she
answered.
''Pshaw! how indiscreet in me to
ask; might have expected as much!"
exclaimed the tramp in we'll feigned
disgust. IF there's one thing more
than another that my proud spirit
chaffs under, it's work. I think I'd
better be going. When will your
father be liable to return?"
Another poser for Miss Blackeyes.
She had triumphed over her first re-
pugnance; to have to enjoy the fellow S
company the rest of the afternoon, as
would most likely be the case, while
awaiting her fathers return was a
more serious thing; over all repugnance
to his person and habits. maidenly
modesty rose uppermost against it.
''Don't lie, nowr' cautioned the fel-
low, seeing her hesitate. "Don't say
that he was coming right back and
liable to be here at any moment, just
to frighten me away"
mo. really, don't expect him back
much before night" she honestly ad-
mitted.
"Good girlr' commented the fellow,
''always tell the truth, if it does pinch
In this case you'll have to enjoy my
company until evening""
perhaps you'd better 90 out in the
field and see him." she suggested,
'might possibly hire some one else"
Couldn't entertain the proposition
moment; too conscientious altogether.
Place must seek the man, not man the
place, as our civil reformers express it.
Besides don't love work we'll enough to
leave good company and a good fire
for the snow and winds without, to
find il"
The fellows ''brass'' was certainly
never equaled. The only way to ge,
rid of him was to order him outright to
leave, and this with his ''cheek," judg-
ing by past experience, would likely
prove only good breath wasted. Vexed
and annoyed, despite a relish of the
fellows wit, Sallie was endeavoring to
see way out of her dilemma, wher
there came a step on the walk and 8
ceremonious knock at the door now
partly closed. At her bidding flashily
: dressed fellow, all hair oil and cologne
and evidently of the genus country
dude, entered the room.
'Good morning to you, Miss Sallie, '
! in an affected drawl. and with his mos
crushing bow and most captivating
smile, '1'm delighted to meet you, Tn
sure and -"
} His eyes here fell upon our friend
the tramp, seated tipped back, cros
legged, picking his teeth and evidently
regarding him with nonchalantinterest
IAN what's this terrifying fellal
doing heah, Miss Sallie?" with feeble
attempt at ferocity.
"Inquiring into the probable merit
of the Darwinian theory and peculiari
: ties of the species asinine just now.
: the tramp answered for her, eying th,
dude critically.
"Shall I-aw-put him out for you
; Miss SallieP" evidently nettled by tn
tramp's evident irony, and anxious t.
show his valor and prowess.
. The tramp darted searching glanc
into the girls face. Flushed and con
l fused. it was evident at glance tina
| the fellow was forcing his attentions
: and that his company was little NOR
Q desirable, if indeed at all. than his own
l .'She does, if you are man enough t
2 do it?" he answered for her.
) OF course this was summons t
arms, for whatever may have been on
t dudes preference, he had either to bac
square down before his "girl," or a,
/ tempt to put his words into execution
, Don't be alarmed, Miss Sallie." h
Q said assurngly, .Tllnot hurt the fella
r at all. Now get out of heah, you i'm
t pudent fellah," drawing his cane an
= approaching the tramp in threatenin
manner.
. Before the blow could descend, tn
v stick was wrenched from his GRASP
|, and in "jiffy" he found himself prom
: upon his back on the floor. with th
tramp holding him down.
g don't be alarmed, Miss Sallie, L